Arts Exhibit Highlights Two Durham Greats

Lilac Time by Edith London

The SunTrust Gallery at the Durham Arts Council is currently hosting an exhibit that brings together two of Durham’s most renowned artists, Silvia Heyden and Edith London. Titled “Together Again,” the exhibit pairs new tapestries from Heyden and paintings from the late London – a body of work which will likely never be presented together again. 

The two women shared many similarities, despite their different mediums. Both began their careers in Europe – the Swiss Heyden in Zurich and the German London in both Rome and her native Berlin – and their works share a connection to the Bauhaus tradition. They then separately moved to Durham because their husbands took positions at Duke University. It was the Duke connection that introduced the two women, and they continued to produce acclaimed works throughout their time here. Both displayed their art around the United States and Europe.

Weaverly Flow by Silvia Heyden

London passed away in 1997, but Heyden still lives in the area and weaves tapestries at her home on the Eno River. 

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, Heyden will be giving an artist’s talk at the gallery which will be succeeded by a screening of A Weaverly Path, a documentary focused on her life. At 10:30 a.m. on February 8, she will offer a workshop titled “From Fiber to Color” for $15. You can register at online. All of the events are at the Durham Arts Council building at 120 Morris St. in Downtown Durham.

Learn more about arts in Durham online and stay up to date on arts events with the Durham Event Calendar.